New England Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe

Name: New England Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe
Ingredients: 6 slices thick cut bacon (chopped); 2 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3/4 lb. small red potatoes (cut into 1/2-inch pieces); 2 ribs celery (thinly sliced); 1 large white onion (chopped); 2 medium carrots (peeled then quartered lengthwise, then sliced); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 4 cups chicken broth; 3/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces); 2 bay leaves; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 10 oz frozen corn (thawed); chopped fresh chives (for topping)